Page 26 of Love Like Ours

“I have enough that it won’t be a problem,” Max said, his tone losing its teasing edge. “This place is going to be my fresh start. I want it to be something worth looking at. Something that matters. While preserving its history.”

Palmer nodded slowly. “Alright. Let’s see what she has to offer.”

The mist clung to the air as Palmer and Max began their walk around the lighthouse grounds. The sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs below served as a constant reminder of the structure’s precarious and stunning location. Max gestured towards the lighthouse with his scone.

“First off, the tower,” he said. “The exterior needs some brick work, probably new windows. The light itself is maintained by the state park, so there’s no need to mess with it.”

Palmer let out a low whistle as they stepped closer to the weathered lighthouse. The cracks in the paint and the patches of exposed brick were more evident up close. “You’ve got your work cut out for you.”

Max shrugged. “It’s worth it. This lighthouse is an icon on the coastline. Make no mistake, I want to keep the soul intact, you know?”

Palmer nodded, a flicker of respect for Max’s dedication sparking in his chest. “Alright. But you’ll need the right team. It’s not just about the money—it’s about finding people who care about this kind of work. Which we have. Most of our crew are Pride born and raised.”

“Sophia assured me that you and your brother could handle whatever had to be done.” Max gave Palmer a pointed look before taking another sip of coffee. “I would love to help, and plan on doing as much as I can during this process.”

“Do you have any experience?” Palmer asked.

“I worked as a stagehand all throughout school. I’ve done a lot of repairs to my mother’s place. I’m not licensed like you, but I’m pretty handy with woodwork.”

Palmer nodded before they moved towards the larger house building attached to the lighthouse. The once-charming white clapboard exterior was now dull and streaked with grime. Max pushed open one of the front door, and it creaked loudly as the old rusty hinges carried the weight of the heavy iron.

“There’s plenty of work outside. We’ll have to check the electric and plumbing before we start in here,” Max said, stepping inside. He rattled off a list of things he noticed as they went. “New flooring, some updated electric and fixtures, plumbing fixes.” He inspected each space and wrote notes.

Palmer glanced around, noting the warped floorboards and cobweb-covered ceiling beams. “You’re brave, I’ll give you that. Living here while it’s under construction won’t be easy.”

Max smirked. “Not my first rodeo. I like a challenge.”

After a quick tour of the house, they headed towards the barn, a weathered structure with a sagging roof and missing planks. Max paused at the entrance, brushing his hand along the worn wood. The place had stacks and stacks of furniture and boxes, much like several of the rooms inside the house had.

“This barn’s going to be something special,” Max said, his voice quieter now. “I’m thinking of turning it into my studio.”

Palmer raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sentiment. “You plan on working here?”

Max shot him a wry grin. “Don’t let the city-slicker exterior fool you. I was raised outside of Portland. I’ve always had a soft spot for small towns. Plus, if I’m going to live here, I might as well work here. I’ll also want space for a horse or two. The barn can be separated pretty easily. Horse stalls in the back, workshop in the front.”

Palmer chuckled, running a hand along the barn’s frame. “Well, you’ve got a lot of vision. Let’s hope the reality matches it.”

When they stepped out of the barn, the fog had begun to lift slightly, revealing more of the rugged coastline.

Suddenly, Max turned to Palmer. “So what do you think?”

Palmer looked back at the lighthouse as the sun finally broke through the clouds and hit the building. He could just image the potential hidden beneath the layers of wear and time.

Without thinking of the cost, he extended a hand towards Max. “Yeah, it’ll work. I’ll draw up some plans and estimates. I’ll need to come back and get actual measurements for materials.”

Max clasped his hand, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Sounds good. When do we start?”

When he left the lighthouse, he immediately went to Parker’s place, high on the possibilities.

“So?” Parker said when he answered the door.

“We got the job.” He laughed and went in for the hug he knew was coming. “It’s a big one, and it’s going to be very tedious.”

“Good, then you can head it up. I’ll be busy holding down all the other jobs in the meantime.” Parker slapped him on the back. “I was just about to make some lunch. Care to join?”

“Sure,” he said and followed his brother into his house. Just then his twelve-year-old niece, Ellie, came running into the living room.

“Daaad.” She paused. “Oh, hi, Uncle Palmer.” She smiled at him for a second before turning back to her dad and continuing. “Ethan took the last cookie,” she whined, stomping her foot.